The National Retail Federation Chief Economist, Jack Kleinhenz, believes a recession is unlikely in 2023, and the economy should see slight growth for the year as consumers continue to manage through inflation and high interest rates.
Author: SGB Media

JD Sports Lays Out Growth Plans For U.S. and European Expansion
JD Sports CEO Régis Schultz and the management team detailed its growth strategy and key objectives for the next five years and how it would enhance its position as a “leading global sports-fashion specialist.”
Brunswick Reports Double-Digit Fourth Quarter Sales Growth
Brunswick reported consolidated net sales of $1,58 billion in the fourth quarter of 2022, up
from $1,43 billion in the fourth quarter of 2021. Diluted EPS for the quarter was $1.93 on a
GAAP basis and $1.99 on an as adjusted basis.
Champion Parent Posts Q4 Loss On Double-Digit Revenue Decline
HanesBrands, Inc. reported net sales from continuing operations decreased 16 percent to $1.47 billion, which includes a $55 million unfavorable impact from foreign exchange rates, compared to last year.
The Buckle Posts 6.1 Percent Comp Store Sales Gain In January
The Buckle, Inc. comparable store net sales increased 6.1 percent for the 4-week fiscal month ended January 28 versus the comp month in the prior year.

Black Diamond Equipment Appoints New Brand President
Black Diamond, Equipment, Ltd., a subsidiary of Clarus Corp., appointed Neil Fiske as brand president. Fiske is responsible for “accelerating growth and increasing profitability by capitalizing on attractive expansion opportunities across various categories, channels and regions.”
Canada Goose Cuts Outlook On Weaker China, North America
Canada Goose Holdings Inc. reported earnings and sales came in below guidance in the fiscal third quarter ended January 1 and lowered its outlook for the year due to worse-than-expected COVID-19 related disruptions in Mainland China and slowing momentum in North America.
American Outdoor Brands Files Suit Against Allen
American Outdoor Brands, Inc. filed a complaint against The Allen Company, Inc. alleging repeated infringement by Allen of American Outdoor Brands’ patent rights incorporated in a variety of products.
Aleck Makes Multiple Key New Hires
Aleck, the maker of wireless helmet audio and communication systems, made key hires, including Simon de Gruchy as head of finance, Eric Kiner as head of product, with Morgan Kaufer and Krystel Caballo bringing marketing expertise to the brand.

Vista Outdoor’s Fiscal Q3 Earnings Slump 39 Percent
Vista Outdoor, Inc. reported earnings on an adjusted basis fell 39.2 percent in its fiscal third quarter ended n December 25, as sales declined 5 percent. Sales dropped 13 percent in its Sporting Products segment while gaining 5 percent in its Outdoor Products segment. The company slightly downwardly adjusted its guidance for the year.

Vista Outdoor Board Pushes CEO Metz To Resign
Vista Outdoor Inc. announced that Chris Metz has agreed to resign as CEO and director at the request of the Vista Outdoor Board “based on the Board’s loss of confidence in his leadership for reasons not involving financial reporting or internal controls.” Gary McArthur, a member of the company’s Board of Directors, has been appointed interim chief executive officer, effective immediately.
Costco January Comps Fall 15.4 Percent
Costco Wholesale Corporation reported net sales of $16.84 billion for the retail month of January, the four weeks ended January 29, 2023, an increase of 6.9 percent from $15.76 billion last year.

REI Cuts 8 Percent Of HQ Staff In The Face Of “Increasing Uncertainty”
Amidst ongoing efforts by REI store employees to unionize during a tough retail economy and reported heavy over-inventory levels at the outdoor gear co-op, the word now comes down from the corner office that the retailer laid off 167 leaders and employees at its headquarters locations.
Unifi’s Fiscal Q2 Sales Plummet 32 Percent
Unifi, Inc. reported a net loss of $18 million in its fiscal second quarter ended January 1 as sales fell 32 percent. Results were in line with a pre-announcement on January 19.

Original Penguin Adds PGA Tour Player To Ambassador Team
Original Penguin Golf, a division of Perry Ellis International, signed PGA Tour player Nico Echavarria as a brand ambassador. Echavarria will make his Tour debut this season wearing Original Penguin’s Spring 2023 collection. “We are thrilled to welcome Nico as our next Original Penguin brand ambassador,” said Oscar Feldenkreis, CEO, Perry Ellis International. “Nico is […]